CHICAGO, Dec. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Medical device maker Suros Surgical Systems, Inc. and imaging leader Hologic, Inc. announced today at the 2005 Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) conference in Chicago that they will expand their existing partnership to include a distribution agreement outside of the United States. The deal gives Hologic and its distributor network non-exclusive distribution rights to sell the ATEC(R) Breast Biopsy and Excision System: Pearl(TM) unit for stereotactic (x-ray) and ultrasound use, ATEC(R) system biopsy devices and the ATEC TriMark(TM) biopsy site identification system.

The Suros-Hologic international partnership follows the announcement this week that Suros received its European CE Mark approval for the ATEC(R) system and ATEC TriMark(TM) biopsy site identification system. The company expects to deliver its first ATEC(R) system and stereotactic biopsy components through the Hologic international distribution agreement in January 2006.

"Our existing partnership with Hologic to sell the ATEC(R) product line in the United States has been very successful over the past two years, and we are ready to answer the demand for the ATEC(R) system on a global basis," said Jim Pearson, Suros president and CEO. "Expanding beyond North America with a partner who understands and appreciates the superior innovation of the ATEC(R) system made Hologic an easy choice for us. Now we want to offer an easy and more compassionate breast biopsy choice for women across the European Union and other countries by giving them the ATEC(R) as an option over open surgery."

The ATEC(R) system is noted for its speed, its ability to address a broad spectrum of patients with a diverse product line, and its single system compatibility with the three primary diagnostic imaging modalities used in breast biopsy. Tissue acquisition can be completed in 30-60 seconds with the ATEC(R), reducing the biopsy total procedure time and offering women a true one-minute breast biopsy in the convenience of their doctor's office. The ATEC(R) system is patented and FDA-cleared.

"Hologic is excited to expand our relationship with Suros," said Mark Duerst, Sr. Vice President of International Sales for Hologic. "The right to sell the outstanding biopsy products that Suros offers allows us to provide our international customers a total package for breast biopsy when combined with our Multicare prone biopsy table."

The ATEC(R) system is fully compatible with Hologic's stereotactic breast biopsy systems that provide advanced digital imaging to pinpoint the precise location of areas for biopsy. Biopsy is the most widely accepted method for definitively determining the presence or absence of cancer following detection of a breast abnormality. This year, an estimated 3 million women worldwide will undergo a diagnostic breast biopsy. The availability of stereotactic biopsy has significantly lowered the number of open surgical procedures performed over the last decade, giving women an improved and more preferred choice in diagnosing breast disease or cancer.

About Suros Surgical Systems, Inc.

Suros is an Indiana-based medical device manufacturer of minimally invasive biopsy and tissue excision products. The company designs, manufactures and markets patient-focused and physician-inspired "Compassionate Technologies" through its ATEC(R) (Automated Tissue Excision and Collection) product line compatible with stereotactic x-ray, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. Suros is viewed worldwide as the pioneer and market leader in MRI-guided breast biopsy technology, and is the fastest growing choice in vacuum-assisted breast biopsy. Since becoming available in 2002, the ATEC(R) breast biopsy system has been installed in approximately 450 hospitals and breast centers across North America and more than 100,000 procedures have been successfully performed. For more information about Suros, visit http://www.SurosSurgical.com .

About Hologic, Inc.

Hologic, Inc. is a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of medical imaging systems dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of women, and a leading developer of state-of-the-art digital imaging technology for general radiography and mammography applications. Hologic's core business units are focused on osteoporosis assessment, mammography and breast biopsy, direct-to- digital X-ray for general radiography applications and mini C-arm imaging for orthopedic applications. For more information about Hologic, visit http://www.Hologic.com .